Darrin Johnson, the Cincinnati man who punched an Asian American University of Cincinnati student during the COVID-19 pandemic and later pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime, is back in custody. A federal magistrate ordered him detained on March 16, 2026, and court records reviewed by reporters state that the move stems from a state felony conviction that prosecutors say violated the terms of his federal supervised release. Johnson had been scheduled for release on March 26, 2026, but that date is now on hold while further proceedings play out.
Magistrate orders detention
A federal magistrate judge ordered Johnson held pending further proceedings, as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer. Court filings cited by the Enquirer say prosecutors pointed to Johnson’s state conviction and related incidents as the basis for seeking revocation of his supervised release and his return to federal custody.
Attack, plea and federal case
Federal prosecutors say Johnson attacked the student on Aug. 17, 2021, on Calhoun Street near the UC campus, shouting racial slurs including “you brought the kung flu here” before punching the victim and leaving him with head and facial injuries, according to a Department of Justice press release. Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court on Feb. 28, 2024, and the parties recommended a sentence of up to 22 months. The Justice Department release notes that bystanders intervened and restrained Johnson during the assault.
Sentence, release and probation
Local reporting in May 2024 showed Johnson was later sentenced to time served and released after roughly 18½ months behind bars. WCPO and other outlets reported that the court imposed probation and ordered diversion-type programming, including diversity training, as part of the plea deal…